Ford Finds Fix for Struggling Escape, Fusion

More than a week after announcing a recall on almost 90,000 Escape Crossovers and Fusion sedans over potential fire risks, Ford has finally developed a remedy. For models equipped with the 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine option, a potential fire risk surfaced after it was discovered that engine coolant had the potential to leak out into the engine bay. If this leaked substance were to come into contact with a heated surface like the exhaust system, it could spark and ignite. At the time of the recall announcement, at least half a dozen fires had started as a direct result of the leakage.

To prevent the possibility of such a coolant leak, Ford has engineered a software update for its onboard computer systems that it says will better manage engine operations during “a unique overheating condition that could occur under unique operating conditions.” In reports from owners who experienced fires, a sudden drop in coolant pressure was observed, sometimes with an onboard warning message, flashing either “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps” or “Engine over Temp, Stop Safely”. Others reported a chiming sound from the instrument panel along with a led warning light. Regardless of how drivers were or were not notified of the leak, a fire was the final result.

Ford did initially acknowledge that it did not have a solution to the problem at the time of the recall announcement, and stressed to owners that the potential for danger was serious. It voiced an extreme focus on finding a solution and ending the troubles that have plagued these two models throughout the year. With the fix in hand, the auto maker is now urging owners to avoid driving until the software update can be implemented. Though it may seem a largely insignificant repair, Ford has reminded owners that the dangers stemming from the problem are not to be taken lightly.

In a released statement, Ford Group Vice President of Global Product Development Raj Nair said, “We remain absolutely committed to continuously improving and providing the highest-quality vehicles to our customers. When a potential issue is identified, we act promptly on behalf of our customers, as we did this time.” Eager to bring the troubles of the beleaguered Fusion and Escape to a close, Ford is hopeful that this software issue will end the string of recalls affecting both vehicles.

To date, the Escape Crossover SUV has been the victim of four separate recalls, three of which over potential fire risks. The Fusion also recently underwent a recall just days before the announcement of the fire danger over faulty headlamps that could dim much faster than anticipated. Unfortunately for Ford, the Fusion is not out of the woods entirely as of yet, as its hybrid iteration is currently under investigation from the Environmental Protection Agency over inaccurate fuel economy projections. The issue first came to the surface in a study conducted by Consumer Reports, which noted that the Fusion and C-Max hybrid models fell significantly short of their advertised fuel economy numbers.

As an owner of one of these affected vehicles, it is important to remedy the problem as soon as you have received a recall notice and avoid use until the fix has been applied, as per Ford’s request. Operating a vehicle with a known recall defect exposes motorists to the threat of danger at any time, even during otherwise safe and normal operations. For victims who have suffered injuries as a result of a defective vehicle component, it may be possible to recover compensation for the damages that you have sustained. By seeking the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you may be able to seek justice against a negligent auto maker or another driver on the road, helping you back onto your feet.